Why does the Escort have high fuel consumption?
3 Answers
Escort's actual fuel consumption is generally 1~2 units higher than average vehicles. Here are the specific reasons: 1. Vehicle origin: Ford is an American car brand, and American car engines typically have high fuel consumption. The automatic transmission version weighs 1.3 tons with a 1.5L engine - any manufacturer's engine with this weight would have relatively high fuel consumption. 2. Engine characteristics: Ford uses high-RPM engines. The transmission won't shift until reaching around 2000 RPM, so delayed shifting at lower gears contributes to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, individual driving habits and road conditions also affect fuel efficiency.
I've been driving my Ford Escort for almost two years, and the fuel consumption has always been on the high side. This is mainly because my driving style isn't very refined—I often accelerate and brake sharply in the city, especially during peak traffic hours when the cost per kilometer skyrockets. Additionally, low tire pressure increases rolling resistance. For example, a while ago, my tire pressure was only around 20 psi, which is about 5% more fuel-consuming than the normal 30 psi. The Ford Escort itself is decently designed, but if maintenance is neglected—like when the air filter is clogged with dust or the spark plugs are worn out—the engine efficiency drops even more noticeably. I recommend developing smooth driving habits and regularly checking the car's condition, such as measuring tire pressure monthly and replacing the air filter every six months. This should help reduce fuel consumption somewhat. On long trips, the fuel efficiency is much better, which shows that stop-and-go short-distance driving is the main culprit.
I've been maintaining my Ford Escort for over a decade. Common causes of high fuel consumption include inadequate vehicle maintenance. For instance, when the air filter gets clogged, the engine struggles to intake air, leading to incomplete fuel combustion and increased consumption. Or when the spark plug gap widens, delayed ignition affects efficiency. Regular oil changes are also crucial - sludge buildup makes the engine work harder, especially noticeable during short city drives. I recommend checking the filters and spark plugs every 5,000 km, maintaining tire pressure around 30 psi. The Escort isn't inherently a high-consumption model, but neglected maintenance amplifies issues in older vehicles. Occasionally adding a fuel system cleaning helps too - relatively low cost that can save significant fuel expenses.
